Classify: Analysing ideas by arranging similar ideas into groups


What is a Classify Map?

The classify map requires students to organise
ideas related to the central topic into groups
and/or sub-groups. They need to consider the
characteristics, features, or attributes of ideas
as they sort them.

How to use a Classify Map

Teachers may provide categories for the
children to sort ideas between, or allow
students to decide on their own groups. The
HOT map with a tree-like structure (two
categories branching into four and so on)
is just a guide. Multiple groups and sub-groups
might be necessary. To foster relational thinking,
students must justify their choices. Facilitating
discussion of alternate groups and reasons can
lead children to an extended abstract understanding.

Why use a Classify Map?

To enable students to apply their understanding of the central topic. Because of the variety of possible 'answers' classifying provides an opportunity for plenty of discussion and debate.

Junior Syndicate -

Student Exemplars

Middle Syndicate -

Student Exemplars

Senior Syndicate -

Student Exemplars


Insp_esuru.png
In Term One Room 14 used the mimio board to group
pictures of tools and things that are not tools.

Classify_Map_2.jpg
Room 9 worked cooperatively to group their words
about rubbish. Students decided on their own
headings for each group.



InspRio.png
Room 14 grouped their toys into things that swim in
the water and things that don't swim in the water.

Classify_Group_Work.jpg
The students in Room 9 discussed their groups and
the reasons why they had decided on each group.



Soobin_&Sanha.png
Room 14 grouped their toys into things that are good
for babies and things that are not good for babies.

Students in the Middle Syndicate will assess
their thinking using the Classify rubric:
Extended Abstract - I can classify rubbish into
several related groups or sub groups, explain how
and why I have grouped them, and look at the
groups in a new way.
Relational - I can classify rubbish into several related
groups or sub groups and explain how and why I have grouped them.
Multistructural - I can classify rubbish into several
related groups or sub groups.
Unistructural - I can classify rubbish into some groups.
Prestructural - I need help to classify rubbish.



DSC02861.JPG
Year 2 children classify minibeasts. The first category "minibeasts with no legs" is teacher-selected. The children were asked to sort pictures provided into two categories of their choice.